TIRANA, ALBANIA – European Commission and Council leaders as well as key EU member states are adamant on the need for continued dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade, despite the uncertainty caused by the recent September 24 attack in northern Kosovo, one of the many differences expressed during this conference. the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana, Monday October 16.
Serbian President Aleksander Vučić was not present, the country being represented by Prime Minister Ana Brnabic. Kosovar Prime Minister Albin Kurti represented his country but did not answer any questions from the media upon his arrival.
As for whether a meeting between the two men would take place, sources, including senior government and diplomatic officials, told Euractiv that it would likely take place informally, with Germany and France present, during working lunch.
However, French President Emmanuel Macron was not in attendance due to recent events in France and is expected to join the event later in the afternoon.
Conflicts cannot take us hostage
During opening speeches, European Council President Charles Michel made it clear that the only way forward for both countries was through dialogue.
“We cannot let bilateral conflicts take us hostage. The solution may be more painful than reform, but it must be implemented. Don’t let the ghosts of the past steal your future,” he said.
He added that tensions between Kosovo and Serbia have exacerbated historic tensions, but there can be no cooperation without reconciliation and a sustainable future.
“Reconciliation requires political courage and a sincere focus on the future; that will be the spirit of the summit,” he said.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also stressed that the dialogue must continue and that previously agreed issues must be implemented.
“Multiple crises in the region, in the Western Balkans, have highlighted the urgent need to work together and overcome antagonisms… The recent escalations in northern Kosovo have proven how important this is,” Scholz said in his opening speech.
He added that the agreements reached through the normalization of the EU-led dialogue must be completed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen did not mention either country by name – she said “the world is on fire” because of the wars in Israel and Ukraine, but that the EU European Union is proof of lasting peace.
“The Western Balkans have their place there,” she said, adding: “Let’s work together so that you are part of an EU that shows that together we can achieve lasting peace and prosperity for all.” . »
Despite Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama’s hope that the conflict would not overshadow the event, it was also a key topic for various other leaders. Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he had spoken with Vučić and Kurti, adding: “I hope we can all help reduce tensions.”
Recently, Rama, Kosovar politicians of all stripes, MEPs and the former US ambassador to Kosovo, Philip Kosnett, have all said that dialogue cannot continue as if nothing had happened.
They all called for a reassessment of the situation following the findings of a thorough investigation into the attack which left one Kosovo police officer dead and another injured.
Broken EU now promises deep class divide
Rama also criticized the EU for failing to deliver on its promises and alienating countries in the region.
“The biggest political challenge lies between EU members and third countries. Can we afford these separations?
He added that although the “spirit” of the Berlin process is good, the promises made by the EU in terms of economic benefits have not been kept.
“A democracy without infrastructure cannot function properly,” he said, adding that EU countries receive around 4,500 euros per capita in European funding. Yet Western Balkan countries receive only 138 euros, calling it “a chilling testament to a class divide that has deepened the division within the European household.”
But amid criticism, Rama acknowledged that von der Leyen was taking “significant steps toward political and economic changes in the Western Balkans.”
“I am not asking for funding equal to that of EU countries,” Rama said. “What I am saying is that this geopolitical landscape is changing rapidly and action is needed, and faster. »
Rama explained that under the EU investment plan in the Western Balkans, investments are significant, but only 10% are subsidies. Furthermore, he added, the mechanism to access it is slow and outdated.
Growth plan expected to be announced
During his visit to journalists, von der Leyen said the EU intended to give the region access to the European single market.
“One of the main topics will be the economy of the Western Balkans, which is why I presented the growth plan. We want to give them access to the European Common Market,” she declared.
But this will require reforms in the region, and those “who have the will to reform will receive funding”, she said, adding: “It is an incentive for those who really want to move forward.”
The growth plan will include the opening of new trade routes in specific areas of the EU common market for the Balkan countries, such as free movement of goods and services, road transport, energy, electricity and the digital single market.
“We really need to harness the potential of the Western Balkans and bring them closer to the European single market,” she said.
A Commission source and a diplomatic source told Euractiv that von der Leyen was preparing to officially announce the package, worth a total of around 28 billion euros, including 2 billion euros for the plan. growth and 26 billion euros for the IPA (Pre-Accession Instrument). Assistance Fund).
This will be in addition to the 30 billion euros of the Economic and Investment Plan launched in 2020, of which 16 billion euros have been invested so far.
Meanwhile, while waiting for his guests to arrive, Rama asked the foreign journalists present: “Are you all being treated well?” I’m not speaking to our side because they’re still upset, but the rest of you? Are you treated well?
In reference to the historical tensions between certain journalists, this sparked laughter from the foreign and international media present.
(Edited by Nathalie Weatherald)
